ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Turkmenistan on December 12 an 13 at the invitation of the President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
He will attend International Conference being convened in Ashgabat to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality.
A number of Heads of State and Government have confirmed to attend the Conference.
During the visit, the Prime Minister would also participate in the ground breaking ceremony of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project along with the President of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and Vice President of India.
The Prime Minister's visit will provide a good opportunity for Pakistan to re-affirm its support for Turkmenistan's long-standing policy of permanent neutrality.
The visit would also highlight the importance that Pakistan attaches to the TAPI Gas Pipeline Project and commitment to its early completion.
Pakistan will be able to import 1325 mmcfd natural gas from Turkmenistan. Thus, this project will help in mitigating energy deficit in Pakistan.
Through this inter-state pipeline, the Caspian Sea gas will be transported from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan and then to India.
The 1,735 kilometres-long pipeline will run from gas fields in Turkmenistan and is expected to be operational by end of 2018.
TAPI, that is expected to cost around $10 billion, is being dubbed as a modern continuation of the Silk Road that would help overcome the energy crisis of Pakistan.
In his bilateral interactions with the Turkmen President, the Prime Minister will share Pakistan's perspective on important developments impinging on peace and security in the region and reiterate Pakistan's keen desire to sustain and expand bilateral cooperation with Turkmenistan in trade, energy and defence. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with the President of Turkey.
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